October 1963
Contents
It Seems to Me A Magna Carta For DeMolay
A Masonic Memorial Service We Get Comments
Chat and Comment The President's Corner
Are Masons Contradictory Nominees Roll of Honor
National Sojourners Roll of Honor Is Projected; NATIONAL SOJOURNERS
RECOMMENDED MASONIC READING Our Masonic Penalties
The Magic of Words Idaho Masons Hold
A Question Is Raised
On Items of Masonic Research
Published bimonthly at Franklin, Indiana, by
THE PHILALETHES SOCIETY
John Black Vrooman, F.P.S., Editor
Box 402, St. Louis 66, Missouri
OFFICERS
Elbert Bede, F.P.S., President
2316 N.E. 42nd Avenue
Portland 13, Oregon
Dr. Charles G. Reigner, F.P.S., First Vice President
4035 Belle Avenue
Baltimore 15, Maryland
Robert H. Gollmar, F.P.S., Second Vice President
1221 Oak Street
Baraboo, Wisconsin
Carl R. Greisen, F.P.S., Executive Secretary
401 Masonic Temple
Omaha 2, Nebraska
Ronald E. Heaton, F.P.S., Treasurer
728 Haws Avenue
Morristown Pennsylvania
PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
A. L. Woody, F.P.S.
1440 Burr Oak Road
Homewood, Illinois
Edward J. Fronts, F.P.S.
Langdon, North Dakota
Dr. William L. Cummings, F.P.S.
228-230 Gordon Avenue
Syracuse 4, New York
Volume XVI, No. 5
by JOHN BLACK VROOMAN, Editor
THAT it is time to upgrade our activities, and make the work of each individual member work towards the betterment of the whole membership of the Society In other words, we must have a greater togetherness, by which to accomplish more results for everyone.
First, I would suggest that each member of the Society take some particular phase of activity as his own, and concentrate on it, that we may co-ordinate our work and produce more real Masonic thought and action.
It is evident that not every Mason is interested primarily in Masonic Research Most of us want simply to know more about the principles of Freemasonry, so that we can use them to live more effectively with our Fellows. Most Freemasons know little or nothing about the background of our institution, and they are not aware of the fact that there are certain principles inculcated in Freemasonry without which we cannot function as members.
What the average Freemason wants to know is how to live with and help the members of his community, his neighbors and his relatives. Masonic principles, Masonic duties, Masonic privileges, Masonic tenets, are all worthy of knowledge, and the sooner we get away from the contemplation of the deeper fragments of Freemasonry, and concentrate our efforts on the simplicity of Freemasonry, the sooner will we become better Masons who can live in accord with the world, and practice these tenets to the betterment of all of us.
I am not at all sure that we are right in trying to teach by group routine, rather than, as formerly, we let devoted Freemasons turn to their more informed Brethren and impart to them, by personal contact the truths of Freemasonry. The World has changed, and we are doing too much by mass production Let's stop the trend, and get back to the fundamental procedure of individual effort for individual Freemasons.
It has always been my contention that the Poster, he who instructed the candidate in the necessary lectures of the degrees, is the key man to a successful imparting of the philosophy of Freemasonry. Jesus said to his Disciple - "Go ye now and seek out your own Brother." It was a challenge to action that has the essence of success that nothing else can have. Why cannot we, as Freemasons, seek our own Brother, and instill in him the lessons that will enable him to live Freemasonry.
There is a legend of a Church in the high Alps, which held its meetings at sunset, when the shadows were falling and the darkness gathered. On the appointed day, and at the appointed hour, the members gathered at the church from all parts of the surrounding countryside. As it became darker, the landscape was dotted with gleams of candle-light, moving beams that congregated and moved towards the darkened church.
As the crowd entered the church - dark and gloomy - the darkness was shattered by the gleam of each candle, and when the whole congregation assembled within the church, it was light as days as each candle added its power to that of the others.
There is a good moral in this legend. One candle cannot seem to do much to dispel the darkness, but a thousand candles cannot fail to bring light and cheer. Every individual has a part in the task of bringing Light - every member of the Philalethes Society has a duty to impart that Light of Freemasonry which he has in his heart and mind. The question now arises - is each one of us doing our part?
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by JOHN BLACK VROOMAN, F.P.S., Editor
IN 1215 King John of England signed the Magna Carta, guaranteeing liberty and equality of endeavor for all men. In humble commemoration of the sublime event, ten presiding officers of national and international Masonic groups met in Washington, D.C., the Nation's Capital, and on February 21, the day before Washington's Birthday, signed a "Declaration o f Principles," in support of the Order of DeMolay.
This was far from a sudden happening, and only after months of study and deliberation did these leaders point out their faith and interest manifested in DeMolay. It was concerted and united effort on the part of the leaders of Freemasonry which prompted this united effort to make our Fraternity realize that Youth is worthy of help, and that these young men who will take our place in the world, must be encouraged and helped to realize their responsibilities. This is the greatest forward movement for American Youth that has been taken by Freemasonry. What the leaders in state and nation will do to augment and enhance this work still remains to be seen. but the first step has been taken, and now we look for evidences of closer cooperation and greater activity.
The signing took place in special ceremonies held in the main chambers of the House of the Temple of the Supreme Council, 33d, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction.
Basically the Declaration pointed out the faith and interest that was manifested in DeMolay, and pledges of individual support as well as organizational support where possible were made. The pledged support included both moral and financial, with no intention or desire on the signers' part to determine DeMolay policy.
Signing the declaration were: Luther A. Smith, Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council 33d, A.A.S.R., S.M.J.; George E. Bushnell. Sovereign Grand Commander, Supreme Council 33d, A.A.S.R., N.M.J.; Glenn V. Culp, PGM of Utah and 1963 Chairman of the Grand Masters' Conference; Ocie Rogers, Grand Monarch, Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of The Enchanted Realm; George G. Verbryck, General Grand Master, General Grand Council, Royal and Select Masters; Edwin A. Martini, General Grand High Priest, General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons; William E. Montgomery, Most Illustrious Grand Sovereign, Red Cross of Constantine; George Klepper, Imperial Potentate, Shrine of North America; Marvin E. Fowler, Provincial Grand Master, Royal Order of Scotland; and Paul M. Moore, M.E. Grand Master, Grand Encampment Knights Templar, U.S.A.
The Declaration is actually a part of the Masonic - DeMolay Crusade first suggested by 1962-63 DeMolay Grand Master Ralph Hamill. These various presiding officers were invited as distinguished guests to attend the 1962 session of the International Supreme Council in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The group held a private meeting in Indianapolis to discuss DeMolay and the relation of it as a worthwhile youth group to Masonry and its growing importance in this regard.
A subsequent conference was held in June in Kansas City to expand further the ideas broached in Indianapolis. The result was the framing of the "Declaration of Principles," under the guidance of Sovereign Grand Commander Smith, who was Chairman of the drafting committee.
The signing was preserved for posterity by a sound motion picture.
DeMolay officials present at the signing included Grand Master Hamill, Deputy Grand Master Ivan H. Northfield, Grand Secretary George M. Saunders. Grand Chaplin Herbert E. Duncan. Immediate Past Grand Chaplin John H. Jefferson, DeMolay Headquarters Director of Public Relations Richard E Harking and Indiana DeMolay Foundation Executive Secretary C. C. Faulkner, Jr.
Two DeMolays, Maryland-District of Columbia MC Bob Stanley and Dennis Truitt of Fort Wayne, Indiana, served as Marshals for the ceremony.
The ceremonies opened with a few brief remarks from Grand Master Hamill as to the purpose of the gathering. This was followed with an invocation by Grand Chaplain Duncan.
Grand Master Hamill then introduced Grand Commander Smith, who was escorted to this altar where he read the parchment containing the "Declaration of Principles." Commander Smith signed the document and was followed by the nine remaining distinguished Masonic leaders.
The ceremony closed with a benediction given by Past Grand Chaplain Jefferson.
The text of the "Declaration" follows:
Proclamation and Declaration of
Principles of Representatives of
Masonic Organizations In Support of
The Order of DeMolay
We, the undersigned, representatives of the Masonic organizations set opposite our names below, having voluntarily responded to the call of the Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay that our respective organizations give DeMolay more adequate support in its plans to enlarge and expand the influence and usefulness of this great youth organization, hereby make the following proclamation and declaration of principles:
1. We are profoundly impressed with the progress made by the Order of DeMolay since it was founded on March 18, 1919, by the late lamented Frank S. Land, in its laudable undertaking to teach and train young men to be devoted sons and God-fearing, intelligent, patriotic, and industrious citizens of the Countries in which they live.
2. We appreciate the fact that the chapters of the Order of DeMolay are required to be organized and conducted under the sponsorship of some type of Masonic organizations, which gives DeMolays an opportunity to get acquainted with the Masonic fraternity, its aims and principles; and that in consequence the members of the Masonic groups have the pleasure of close fellowship with and rendering service to the DeMolay members. We recognize that this arrangement creates an ideal relationship which should be productive and of great benefit to all parties concerned.
3. We therefore believe that the fraternal invitation extended to Freemasonry by the Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay, to join in support of the movement to enlarge and expand this worthy organization should be accepted; and to that end, we pledge to the International Supreme Council of the Order of DeMolay, and its Grand Master, our individual support and, insofar as we may have authority to do so, the support - moral and financial - of the Masonic organizations which we here represent, with no intention or desire on our part to determine DeMolay policy.
4. We agree to bring this cause to the attention of our groups and to recommend that they take favorable and appropriate action thereon.
We further fraternally invite others to join us in furthering the progress and success of the Order of DeMolay.
It is our belief that our labors in their behalf will also strengthen the forces which sustain Right, Justice, and Freedom in the world.
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by CHARLES G. REIGNER, F.P.S.
THE JUNE AND AUGUST (1963) issues of THE PHILALETHES included an article (in two parts) entitled "Let's Look at Masonic Funerals," by M.W. Brother Andrew J. White, P.G.M. and Grand Secretary. M.W. Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Ohio. The next-to-the Iast paragraph of the article reads thus: "I do not quote from lay comments which have come to me. I do recommend a reading of the address of Brother Charles G. Reigner, 33d, to the Virginia College, Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, on September 19, 1959, which sets out in full an alternate memorial service for use at a funeral home. adopted by the Grand Lodge of Maryland."
Since this article appeared in The Philalethes, I have had a number of requests from my Brethren about the memorial service to which Brother White refers. Let me put down the antecedent circumstances.
A special committee of the Grand Lodge of Maryland was appointed in 1958 by the then Grand Master Brother Charles H. Cover, to study the entire matter of Masonic funerals. Copies of funeral and burial rituals were obtained from Grand Lodges throughout the United States. The special committee, of which the writer was Chairman, studied those rituals intensively and thoughtfully.
In 1959 the Grand Lodge of Maryland made available to the Lodges under its jurisdiction a small book of which the first paragraph reads thus:
"At the semiannual communication (of the Grand Lodge of Maryland) held May 19 1959, the Grand Lodge reaffirmed the use of the funeral ritual in its present form and practice as an entirety and. in addition, adopted as an optional alternative, a memorial service to be held at the home or the funeral home prior to the funeral. The family of the deceased brother is to be given the choice of service desired. Either service may be requested, but not both."
The book contains also three paragraphs headed "Memorial Service Regulation," thus:
"As the memorial service remains a Masonic function, the opening of a Lodge of Sorrow by the Worshipful Master upon his installation is sanctioned which Lodge shall be closed upon the termination of his administration.
"Regular regalia, such as aprons, collars, and white gloves, must be used at the memorial service.
"Should the family desire the memorial service in preference to the graveside service, the Lodge is still required to furnish pall-bearers, if requested."
Here is the complete text of this alternative Memorial Service authorized by the Grand Lodge of Maryland for use by Maryland Lodges:
Memorial Service
Master. Friends and Brethren, we who are Masons have assembled on this occasion to express our respect and esteem for our Brother who has passed beyond our mortal sight and to share with those near and dear to him our belief in the immortality of the soul.
In this time of sorrow, when we all need comfort and consolation, let us turn reverently to God who, in the midst of the trials and tribulations that are a part of life, can alone endue us with that quietness of spirit and that peace of mind and heart which the world can neither give nor take away. Let us pray.
Chaplain. O God, our Father in Heaven: Thou art the giver of life and light and love, our help and solace in times of trial and sorrow. Thou hast assured us that when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Thou art with us. Thy rod and Thy staff comfort us. Thou art our light and our salvation, our refuge and our strength in every time of trouble.
We thank Thee for the life of our Brother. We thank Thee that he was one of our fellowship and that we were privileged to labor with him in the mystic tie of brotherhood. We are grateful to Thee for the precious memories of him which we shall always carry in our hearts. We thank Thee for all that he has meant to those who were near and dear to him through the ties of family and friendship.
Most of all, we are grateful to Thee for teaching us that, while the body is mortal, the soul is immortal. Though the outward form we knew and loved be removed from our sight, we have the assurance that Thou hast taken to Thyself his soul, which is the enduring essence of life. This conviction Thou hast implanted in us through Thy Holy Word, which is the Great Light of Masonry.
We earnestly beseech Thee that this short time which we spend together may renew and strengthen our conviction and our hope. Let Thy peace abide with us now and lead us ever in the paths of righteousness. In Thy name we make our prayer. Amen.
Master. From time immemorial it has been the custom of Masons to assemble with the family and friends of a departed Brother to honor his memory and to voice their sympathy to those whom he loved and who loved him. The message we bring is one of the triumph of life over death, the conquest of hope over despair.
Masonry has come down from the far past. It uses the tools of the builder's trade as emblems and symbols to teach Masons how to build character and moral stature. It teaches service to God, to a Brother, and to all mankind. It seeks constantly to build the temple of the soul and thus fit us for that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Masonry is a fellowship that unites Masons in friendship and good will. It teaches the spiritual values of life that lie beyond the physical senses.
Masonry confronts the fact of death with the greater Fact of Faith in the immortality of the soul. Masons believe sincerely that when life on earth comes to a close, the soul is translated from the imperfections of this mortal sphere to that all-perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above, where God, the Grand Architect of the Universe, presides.
With these truths and convictions our Brother was well acquainted. Though perfection of character is not of this world, yet we are persuaded that our Brother sought to live by these truths and principles of Masonry; that they sustained and supported him; and that by them his life was made richer, fuller, and more meaningful.
When our Brother labored with us in Masonic attire, he wore a white apron which he was taught is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. By it he was constantly reminded of that purity of life and that rectitude of conduct so necessary to his gaining admission into that celestial Lodge above. He will now wear that apron forever as the emblem of the virtues which it represents. *
The evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul. By it we are reminded of the immortal soul of man which survives the grave and which will never never die. I now place this evergreen over the heart of our Brother.
And now to you who shared with our Brother the intimate ties of family and friendship, we tender our affectionate sympathy. Our hearts respond to your hearts in your grief. We trust that these affirmations of faith, in which our Brother shared, may speak to you and inspire you to live with hope and courage. We ask you always to remember that the God and Father of us all is a loving God, a merciful God, a compassionate God whose ears are ever open to the cry of the afflicted. Let us pray.
Chaplain. Eternal and Everlasting God, we look to Thee in faith and confidence, knowing that Thy love has power to bring comfort and consolation, even in this time of bereavement, to those near and dear to our Brother. Fill their hearts more and more with the blessed assurance of immortality and of Thy abiding love. Bless them and keep them, O Lord. Make Thy face to shine upon them and be gracious unto them. Lift up Thy countenance upon them and give them Thy peace. Amen.
The foregoing Memorial Service has been available to and has been used by Maryland Lodges for nearly five years. We have become accustomed to reading the following sentence in newspaper obituary notices: "Memorial services will be held (day and date) at 8 p.m. at (name and address of the funeral home)."
The Memorial Service is ordinarily conducted by the Lodge on the evening of the day preceding the funeral and interment, both of which are conducted by the clergy. The regulations simply provide that pallbearers must be supplied by the Lodge when the family makes the request.
This Memorial Service, we have reason to believe from the experience of these five years, can - in the language of Brother White - "bring us (Masons) to a rapport with the Church to the mutual benefit of both glorious institutions" (the Church and Freemasonry).
(* Ordinarily the body is clothed with the apron. If not so clothed, the Master lays the apron across the body.)
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From Our Readers.
Since the printing of M.W. Brother Andrew J. White's splendid analysis of the Masonic Funeral Service, and the added commentary by Brother Charles Gottshall Reigner, our First Vice President, herewith printed, we have had a variety of comments from over members about this important part of Freemasonry. It is not possible to publish all of the comments, but among the more important ones. we take the following, as samples of the thinking of our readers. If you have any ideas about this matter, let us hear from you, please.
William H. Sachs M.P.S. (Ga.), writes:
It is altogether fitting, if not long past due, that we take a "new look at Masonic Funeral Services," as M.W. Bro. White writes in the Philalethes. But many of his readers will strongly disagree with his implication that the principle of the Masonic Funeral Service itself is questionable. I am not surprised that the clergy. not only of M.W. Bro. White's own Lutheran church, but also of most other Christian and Jewish denominations, is opposed to Masonic Funeral Services. The Men-of-the-Cloth may have one foot in heaven all right, but they are human enough to jealously guard their professional prerogatives. Nor is this meant as criticism: the doctors. the lawyers, the teachers and the plumbers, they all take a dim view of any outsider trying to do their job. Why should our ministers and rabbis be different?
Yet they overlook the historical origin of the Masonic Funeral Service, which sprang from their (past) shortcomings. Operative masonry had an economic reason and justification, but modern speculative Masonry came into being exactly because all the churches, Catholic, Protestant and Jewish, had failed to keep step with the Age of Enlightenment, and thus were unable to satisfy the religious needs of the educated man of the 18th century. Two hundred years ago the best minds of the Old World, and the New World, the proud citizens of the Age of Reason (or as some called it the Age of Humanity), became Free Masons because they could no longer accept all the fairy tales which had been spun around an anthropomorphic deity;
Yet neither could they deny the Divine Spirit of the Scriptures, or the fact that the very existence of an orderly creation postulated a purposeful Creator. As they became Freemasons, and built their Lodges and their constitutions around the Great Light on the Holy Altar, they turned their backs both on denominationalism and on gushy emotionalism and exhibitionism in ceremonies.
The Masonic Funeral Service was a logical development of this attitude. It replaced pomp with simplicity, artistic eulogies with a brief but sincere farewell. Most important of all, it replaced the picture of a destitute soul, soiled with original sin and begging for mercy, with that of a humble workman, who, after honest and diligent effort to execute his instructions, now submits his works to the Ultimate Planner and Instructor for judgment. I do not know whether this concept conflicts with the real message of the Gospels; certainly it cannot have been strange to one who was a carpenter on earth. That this concept conflicts with the professional interests of the clergy is evident, and so nobody can blame them for opposing it.
The temper of the times, and the atmosphere of Freemasonry, has changed during the last 200 years. We no longer hold that man's Reason and Intellect, given only enough time, will some day have the answer to all mysteries and all problems. We no longer consider the earnest pursuit of science and loyal church membership as mutually incompatible. Religious ceremonies have again become respectable, not only in this country but in Europe too, and even in some of the avowed atheistic nations.
There are still thousands of Freemasons whose spiritual home is in the teachings and the meetings of the Craft either because Freemasonry satisfies their religious needs completely, or because she fills them better than any other religious organization. Few of them are outspoken enough to be known as such; most of them hide their true feelings so as not to hurt the feelings of their church-going brethren, or because they fear to be accused of atheism by the ignorant. Death gives them freedom to speak up, and so they request the Masonic Funeral Service. It is therefore for these earnest, dedicated, God-fearing Masons that we must preserve, yea, and even strengthen, the Masonic Funeral Service. Let the church service be for their families, their widows and minor children, their mothers and sisters and non-Mason friends; the Masonic Service is the ceremony which they themselves felt was the best expression of their feelings, the one most fitting to mark the end of their labors - else they would never have requested it.
Adam J. Lattaner, Secretary of Montpelier Lodge No. 547, F. & A. M., Montpelier, Ohio, writes:
I have long held those same sentiments and, altho as Prelate for 30 years of Montpelier Commandery, I have conducted many Knights Templar services, I have informed my family that I want none of it.
- It was heart warming to me to see you speak out as you did in that splendid discourse on what I consider a most morbid, uncomforting ceremony.
Paul W. Grossenbach, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, writes:
I liked your article on "Let's Take a New Look at Masonic Funerals" in the June, 1963, issue of The Philalethes. I fully and most heartily concur with your thinking on this subject which I am sure has given all Grand Lodges a little trouble now and then.
We have liberalized our regulations relating to Masonic funeral services considerably and our lodges are instructed to carry out the wishes of the family of the deceased as nearly as they can, consistent with good Masonic usage and practice.
My compliments on the very fine contribution you have made in bringing this to the attention of the Fraternity and I hope it will be fruitful.
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Allen E. Roberts, F.P.S., writing in Babcock News, says:
There should be no change in the Masonic funeral service as practiced by the Masons of Virginia. Throughout this jurisdiction and others, there is much talk about doing away with Masonic funerals. The reasons advanced are many - some good, most poor.
The greatest misunderstanding appears to be with some Ministers of some of our Churches. It is claimed the Church should hold the last rites - to which Freemasonry whole heartedly agrees. So the greatest objection is destroyed before it even becomes an issue. Masonry interferes in no way with the service at the Church, home, or funeral home. It belongs strictly to the officiating Minister or Rabbi. At the graveside the Church official can open and close the service, if he so desires.
There should be no objections to the Masonic funeral service on religious grounds. Masonry advocates, and always has, that the Church and God should be first in the lives of every Mason. It has no quarrel with any Church. Those who claim Masonry detracts from any Church are blinded by bigotry. A roll call of the members of almost every Church will prove beyond any doubt that those who are the hardest workers. in most cases, belong to the Craft.
Other objections most often heard are: Masons are disrespectful; they lean on their staffs joke and talk loudly; they dress sloppily; they slouch in their seats; they swagger rather than walk: the attendance is usually poor; the Master does not recite the service properly. And, unfortunately, those objections are too often true, but they should not be. The Worshipful Master of each Lodge can correct them quickly. The attendance need not be poor. A Telephone Committee can cure the attendance problem.
The Grand Lodge of England has bowed to the objectionists and forbidden the Subordinate Lodges under its control to conduct any more funeral services. In my opinion it has made a great mistake, one which I hope the Grand Lodge of Virginia, or any other Grand Lodge in America will not make.
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News, achievements and items of interest about our
Fellows and Members - Discussion and comment on
- Pfan Mail and Observations -
Mutual Topics.
Again, Compliments to Kenneth F. Curtis, F.P.S., Chairman of the Membership Committee and Frank H. Wilson, M.P.S., Chairman of the Committee on Public Relations. A list of new members have been added to our rolls, and the Society is growing apace. Wilson has just sent another fine news release to the Masonic Press, which is excellent. Every Masonic publication I pick up has something about the work of the Society, and that's good. Keep up the find work!
We have notice of several errors in the August issue, sent by our eagle-eye'd Conrad Hahn, M.P.S. Maybe we ought to have taken a course in proof reading to augment the editorial work. But that's what erasers are for. In the quaint words of Brother Hahn, we quote:
"Page 58 - It Seems To Me, paragraph 4 'others have droped out, now that's a good word for dopes who drope out of the Society, No? (You are, nevertheless, charged with one misspelling.')" And again "Page 66 'Grand Lodge of Belgium confers . . . this article names Brother Louis Demnitzer four times. He is really Louis Dembitzer (vass you you maybe thinking of General and Brother Lemnitzer?) anyway, you iss charged with another misspelling, with partial credit for at least being consistent about it'". We admit the allegation and will not shoot the alligator!
In the June issue, we wrote an article about John Brant, the Indian Freemason. This should have been Joseph Brant. Again, we are in error.
We send our hearty congratulations to Dr. Charlie Pugh, F.P.S., who has been re-appointed Intendent General for the Division of North Carolina of the Imperial, Ecclesiastical and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine. Our good friend has been seriously ill several times in the past few months, and we are most happy to know that he is back to his normal health, where we hope he will remain.
At a joint meeting of Teubor Lodge No. 578, of Detroit, Michigan, held at Detroit, with JerusaIem Lodge No. 9, of Henderson, Ky., following the dedication of the Captain John Simpson Memorial at Monroes Mich., and the exemplification of the Master Mason degree, Alan Eichman. M.P.S., an honorary member of Jerusalem Lodge was named an Honorary Kentucky Colonel, and given a commission on behalf of Governor Bert T. Combs, of Kentucky, a member of the Craft. Congratulations, Colonel Eichman, Sir!
Tejon Topics, Colorado Springs, Colorado, in a special edition, notes the golden wedding anniversary of our dear friend and Brother, Edward E. Hedblom, F.P.S., who has, for many, many years, been one of the mainsprings of Masonry. A Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter RAM of Colorado, he has been since the time when the memory of man runneth not to the contrary the Editor and sparkplug of Square & Compass magazine, and it is a delight to add our personal congratulations to him and his dear lady on this auspicious event. May you have many more!
In a recent issue of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, almost a full page was devoted to the splendid activities of Malcolm Frager, son of Alfred M. Frager, Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master of Missouri Masonry, under the title - Ambassador of Culture From St. Louis.
"Malcolm Frager, the concert pianist from St. Louis, has become a citizen of the World at the age of 28, moving about the European continent winning prizes and applause .... Frager and his Scots-born wife, the former Morag MacPherson have just returned to New York from a two-month tour of the Soviet Union. The tour was a great success musically, and was perhaps, a greater success for Frager personally, the linguist and observer of the people."
It is a wonderful thing that people like this can spread the spirit of good will among nations, and we are most proud of the accomplishments of this young couple - distinguished children of distinguished and talented parents. Good luck!
Charles L. Roblee, M.P.S., West Lafayette, Indiana, has just joined the University of Illinois staff as extension specialist in firemanship training, according to an announcement from Illinois University.
A native of Lockport, Illinois, Roblee is a graduate of the University of Illinois in 1948, and is a well known lecturer on campus courses of fire inspectors.
Harold V. B. Voorhis, F.P.S., Life, not having enough things to keep him busy, has accepted the position of Grand High Prelate of the United Grand Imperial Council of the Knights of the Red Cross of Constantine and Appendant Orders. But believe us, when we say that when given a job, it will be done in the best possible manner, for Masonry can always count on this Brother to do an outstanding job.
Relative to an article in the magazine on The Legend of Hiram Abiff, Alex Horne, M.P.S., has the following to say:
"Bro. Albert Biller writes an informative article in the June number on 'The Legend of Hiram Abif.' However, when he states that 'Josephus, the great historian, writes that Hiram lived a long life and long after the completion of King Solomon's Temple,' I believe he is inadvertently repeating a fable for which there is no evidence in the works of Josephus himself. I myself have been unable to find this statement in Josephus, searching in the most likely spots where any reference to H.A.B. might be found, but a brother with more time on his hands than I possess has been good enough, at my request, to go through the entire book of Josephus painstakingly, page by page, and he is authority for the statement that no such passage in Josephus can be found.
"I have heard this 'fable' repeated time and time again and have always wondered at its source. Just the other day, an article in the United Masters Lodge No. 167, of Auckland, N.Z., on 'The Hiramic Legend,' by Bro. Mervyn Hynes, repeats the fable in almost the same terms as Bro. Biller.
"Newton, in The Builders, says (p. 77) that 'Hiram . . . did not lose his life, but as Josephus tells us, lived to good age and died at Tyre' but he gives no references. And I believe I once saw a similar statement in one of the works of Dr. Geo. Oliver, also without reference, and he probably is the one who invented the fable, like so many others he invented, and others have been repeating it ever since. It is time we laid this canard to rest.
"Another statement Bro. Biller makes is to the effect that 'He [i.e. Hiram Abif] was a tax collector for King David, King Solomon and King Rehoboam,' identifying Hiram Abif with Adoniram, an identification for which Bro. Biller certainly is not responsible, as others have made it, but generally on a tentative or speculative basis. I think it would have been better if this identification, in this case as well, has been made on a 'speculative' basis, and not as a matter of unquestioned fact."
We are interested in what our readers would like to have in our magazine. It is not easy for the Editor to determine just what material to use, nor what will be of interest to the greater part of the membership. Now, when we are starting on another fall season of activities, we should try to focus our attention on the type of material that can do the most good for the greatest number of our readers. You, the reader, are the person whom we must please. Let us know what you want, and we will try to conform to your wishes.
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by ELBERT BEDE, F.P.S.
Laying Bricks or Building a Cathedral?
MANY HAVE READ the little inspirational poem which tells of a visitor who stopped to question several workmen employed in the construction of a great edifice. One, questioned as to what he was doing, answered that he was laying bricks, and a second said he was earning food for his wife and little ones. A third, with eyes and trowel upraised, exclaimed, "I'm building a cathedral!" The first two undoubtedly felt all responsibility fell upon the shoulders of the master builder and others in authority. Their own parts were not important. They did not vision? as the third workman did, the lofty spires rising toward the heavens. They did not realize that making the erection of those spires possible must be the support of bricks and stones set in place by those who considered themselves merely lowly workmen.
We have similar workmen in Freemasonry. We have those who feel that the Lodge is made by the Master and Wardens. Many of these speak highly of the Master and what he is doing to make the Lodge a live one; what he is doing to increase attendance; what he is doing to inform his Brethren; what he is doing to create a fraternal spirit. They do not realize the part they are playing in the success of that Master. The Tyler at the gate, though he may mistakenly believe himself to be the lowliest officer of the Lodge, is, if he performs faithfully and well, one of the most important workmen. He is the first to welcome members and visitors. He has the first opportunity to start members and visitors on their way to an enjoyable evening. The Tyler may well have a vision of the Temple rising on the foundation stones he is placing at his humble but vital post. The Brother who greets visitors in a manner that makes them feel they are wanted may depreciate the part he plays, but he is actually placing the foundation stones upon which the Master builds a successful year. And what kind of a year could a Master have without the Junior Deacon at his place, without the Senior Deacon performing his important duties, without the service of the Stewards in preparing the festaI board at which real fraternalism is developed?
The Master could not work upon the more ornate parts of the Temple. where his efforts may draw encomiums from the many, unless those who laid the bricks and stones below had performed their work with love and efficiency. Each of us who does his work well is building a Temple, a cathedral.
I trust that every member of Philalethes read the story, in the August issue of this magazine which describe a gathering in Chicago of resident members of The Philalethes Society and a number of their invited Masonic friends. I also trust that our members in other areas were led to determine to hold similar gatherings in which a great fraternal spirit may be developed and the work of our Society advanced.
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by LEWIS C. "WES" COOK, M.P.S.
It is disturbing to note that as Masons we frequently present a picture of contradictions to the uninitiated as well as the initiated.
One picture is enthusiastically positive:
We sing praises of the fraternity and its teachings.
We proudly cite its history and the many members through the ages who have contributed so much to building and strengthening the ties that bind this nation together.
We offer glowing tributes for the impressive ritualistic dramatizations of the great moral truths discovered as we ascended the ladder to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.
The other picture is gloomy and pessimistic:
We Loathe ourselves in self-pity as we paint a dismal picture of poor attendance and declining membership while complaining that stated communications are boring, repetitive, or too long.
We fail to attend special communications because "they won't put me to work; or they will put me to work."
We fail to attend schools of instruction because "I'll never get a chance to work or hold office," or "I can't memorize all of that and besides I don't care to hold any office."
We fail to uphold the most cherished tenets of the fraternity by a complete disregard for the ill or distressed, or because we leave it up to the officers to discharge those duties for us.
We are most inadequate in supporting a cornerstone of our beloved institution - Charity, because we extend little if any financial aid to our Brothers, their families, or the communities in which our lodges are located.
Hundreds of programs have been suggested for possible adoption by our lodges to generate a rebirth of Masonic interest and activity. Many, if not all, would undoubtedly do much to create renewed interest for the members, their families and the community .
However, there are five basic ingredients necessary for the success of a rebirth of Masonic interest and activity:
1. A positive philosophy or attitude regarding the fraternity.
2. Leadership - and it must come from the Master, Wardens and Past Masters. Once the work has begun, however, they must immediately invite others to share in the responsibilities and discharge of all duties.
3. A willingness to work, even struggle, often without recognition, to develop, promote and administer the interests of the lodge.
4. An unselfish dedication to spreading the Light out of the lodge by demonstrating those great moral duties so forcefully recommended in it.
The fifth ingredient was best summarized, in my estimation, by the German writer Goethe. He said:
"Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute: what you can do, or dream you can, begin it; boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Only engage and the mind grows heated; begin and the work will be completed."
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Your choice for the five Masons to be added to the National Sojourners Roll of Honor of Masonic Patriots and Military Masons may be made from the list of nominees which follows. Select the five greatest Americans, according to your judgment. If you have other names to suggest for inclusion among the nominees please send it in with brief biographical notes and pertinent dates.
Anderson, Richard C. (1750-1826) Contl. major, Kentucky pioneer.
Armstrong, John (1775-1843) Contl., major, diplomat, Secy. War.
Astor, John Jacob, (1763-1848) merchant, financier.
Aycock, Charles B. (1759-1812) lawyer, govr. N. Car., public educ. sponsor.
Barlow, Joel (1754-1812) Contl. Army chaplain, poet, diplomat.
Beadle, William H. H. (1828-1915) Union general, S. Dak. educator.
Benton, Thomas H. (1836-1879) educator, Union general, PGM Iowa.
Booth, Edwin T. (1833-1893) actor, founded Players' Club.
Bryan, Wm. Jennings (1860-1925) Congressman, Secy. of State, orator
Burbank, Luther (1849-1926) the Plant Wizard.
Burbeck, Henry (1755-1848) Contl. Army off., brig. gent War 1812.
Butler, Richard (1743-1791) Rev. sold., Indian agt., KA under St. Clair.
Caswell, Richard (1729-1789) planter, Contl. colonel, govr. N. Car.
Chandler, Zachariah (1813-1879) merchant, Senator fr. Mich., Secy. Int.
Chivington, John M. (?-1895) Beth. minister, missionary Colo.
Choate, Rufus (1799-1850) orator, jurist, legislator.
Clarke, James P. (1854-1910) lawyer, Senator, govr. of Arkansas.
Clark, Joel (1730-1776) organized Amer. Union Lodge, Contl. col, DW.
Cleaveland, Moses (1754-1806) Contl. capt., pioneer, lawyer.
Clinton, James (1733-1812) Contl. brig. genl., merchant NYC.
Collamore, Jacob (1791-1865) lawyer Senator fr. Vermont, Post. Mast. Genl.
Colt, Samuel (1814-1862) inventor, industrialist, etc.
Craik, James (1739-1814) Rev.surg. physician to Washington.
Dearborn, Henry (1751-1829) Contl. capt., War 1812 genl., diplomat.
Dallas, George M. (1792-1864) Vice Pres., diplomat.
Dickinson, John (1732-1808) lawyer, legislator, govr. Del.
Elbert, Samuel (1740-1788) Contl. brig. genl., govr., PGM Georgia.
Ellsworth, Oliver (1754-1807) Chief Justice under Washington.
Erskine, Robert (1735-1780) Surveyor gent Contl. Army.
Fay, Jonas (1737-1818) physician, statesman, Vermonter.
Fitch, John (1743-1788) pioneer in steam-boat development.
Fleming, Walter M. (1838-1910) physician, Union Army surg., co-org. Shrine.
French, Benjamin B. (1800-1870) D.C. Official, laid Wash. Mon. c/s, PGC, KT.
Gibson, John (1740-1822) Rev. soldier, co-organizer Indiana Territory.
Gilman, Nicholas (1755-1814) Delegate to Constl. Convent. from New Hamp.
Glick, George W. (1827-1911) lawyer farmer, governor of Kansas.
Gorrie, John (1803-1855) Florida physician, inventor of mechanical refrig.
Greaton, John (1741-1783) Contl. brig. genl.
Gridley, Richard (1711-1796) eng. & arty. off. in colonial and Rev. wars.
Guion, Isaac (1755-1833) Contl. capt., Memphis planter.
Hamtramck, John F. (1757-1803) Contl. capt., reg. army off., Indian agt.
Hancock, Winfield S. (1824-1886) Union genl. Presidential candidate.
Hand, Edward (1744-1802) Contl. brig. genl.
Harmar, Josiah (1753-1813) Rev. sold. Indian agt. NWT, comd. USA '84-'91.
Hayes, Moses Michael (1739-1805) Boston merchant Prominent Jewish Mason, PGM.
Heart, Jonathan (1744-1791) Contl. capt. WM Amer. Union Lodge, KA.
Hoban, James (1762-1831) designed, built the White House.
Hogun, James (17??-1781) Contl. brig. genl., POW.
Hopkins, Samuel (1750-1819) Contl. col. Congressman, Ky. pioneer.
Ingalls, John J. (1833-1900) lawyer, U.S. Senator from Kansas.
Johnson, Richard Mentor (1780-1850) Vice Pres., killed Tecumseh in battle.
Jones, Noble (1724-1805) Rev. sold., physician, congressman from Georgia.
Kane, Elisha Kent (1820-1857) navy surg. arctic explorer.
King, Thos. Starr (1825-1867) U.S. San. Comm. worker, Unit. min. Mass. & Calif.
King, William (1768-1852) merchant, lawyer, governor of Maine.
Kirkwood, Samuel G. (1813-1894) farmer, lawyer, govr. Iowa, Secy. Inter.
Kirkwood, Robert (??-1791) Contl. capt., KA St. Clair's defeat.
Kirby, Ephraim (1757-1804) Contl. sold. lawyer, 1st GGHP of RAM.
LaFollette, Robert (1855-1925) lawyer, govr. of Wisc., U.S. Senator.
Long, Crawford W. (1815-1878) pioneer anesthetist, Georgia surgeon.
Lewis, Morgan (1754-1844) Contl. off., War 1812 genl., govn. NY, GM.
Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) farmer, Contl. brig. genl., etc.
Little, George (1754-1809) Contl. Navy capt., Mass. farmer.
Morton, Oliver P. (1823-1877) lawyer, war govr. of Indiana, Senator.
Maclane, Allen (1746-1829) Contl. capt., sec. serv. agnt. for Washington.
McClellan, George B. (1826-1885) Union genl., engineer, govr. N.J.
McHenry, James (1753-1816) Aide to Washington, Congress, Secy. War.
Maxwell, William (1738-1798) Contl. maj. genl., legislator.
Meigs, Return Jno., Sr. (1740-1823) Contl. col., pioneer NWT, agt. to Cherokees.
Mitchell, John (1741-1816) Contl. col. 1st Gr. Comdr. AASR S. Jur.
Murfree, Hardy (1752-1808) Contl. major, Tenn. pioneer.
Nicholas, Samuel (1744-1790) first off. comsd. in U.S. Marine Corps.
Nicholson, James (1736-1804) naval off., commodore comdg. Contl. Navy.
Nicholson, Samuel (1743-1817) navaI off., 1st capt. Old Ironsides.
Nixon, John (1727-1815) Contl. brig. gent, Mass., Vermont farmer.
O'Brien, Jeremiah (1744-1818) Contl. Navy rapt., Maine politico.
Ogden, Aaron (1756-1839) Contl. off. U.S. Senator, gov. N.J.
Palfrey, William (1741-1780) Aide to Washington, dpl. courier lost at sea.
Parsons, Saml. HoIden (1737-1789) Contl. maj. genl., pioneer NWT.
Parke, John (1754-1789) Contl. col., poet.
Parker, Ely S. (1826-1895) Aide to Grant. Union off.. Indian.
Parvin, Theodore S. (1817-1901) founder Iowa Grand Lodge library.
Paterson, John (1744-1808) Contl. maj. genl., Congress, N.Y. Jurist.
Paulding, John (1758-1818) Rev. sold., helped capture Andre.
Peale, Chas. Wilson (1741-1827) Contl. off., painter.
Poinsett, Joel (1779-1851) legislator, diplomat, Secy. War.
Polk, William (1758-1834) Rev. off., War 1812, politico.
Posey, Thos. (1750-1818) Contl. off., U.S. brig. genl., Senator La., govr. Ind.
Preble, Edward (1761-1807) nav. off. War 1812, commodore.
Quitman, John A. (1798-1858) lawyer Congress, brig. genl. Mex. War. govr. Miss.
Rice, Henry M. (1816-1894) Minnesota pioneer, Ind. Commissioner, Senator.
Robbins, Joseph (1834-1904) physician Grand Master of Illinois.
Rose, Uriah M. (1834-1913) Jurist, writer, Arkansas traveler.
Sanders, Wilbur Fisk (1834-1905) Union off., Mont. pioneer & vigilante.
Scammell, Alex. (1747-1781) schooI teacher, surveyor, DW Yorktown.
Schley, Winfield S. (1839-1911) Arctic explorer, nav. off., victor at Santiago.
Seabury, Samuel (1729-1796) chap. Brit. regts., first PE Bishop in America.
Sears, Isaac (1730-1786) merchant in N. Y., Son of Liberty, privateersman.
Sevier, John (1745-1815) victor Kings Mt., Congress, 1st govr. Tenn.
Shays, Daniel (1747-1825) Contl.off., leader pop. revolt in Mass.
Shields, James (1806-1879) soldier,U.S. Senator fr. III., Minn., Missouri.
Shoup, George L. (1836-1900) first terr. govr. Idaho, U.S. Senator.
Smith, John Carson (1832-1910) Union col., lieut. govr., GM Illinois.
St. Clair, Arthur (1736-1818) Contl. maj. genl., Congress, govr. NWT.
Sumner, Jethro (1738-1785) N. Car. planter, Contl. brig. genl.
Teller, Henry Moore (1830-1914) Congress, Secy. Int., comd. Colo. state forces.
Tilton, James (1745-1822) Contl. Army surg., congress, wrote Med. Regs.
Thompson, William (1736-1781) merchant, Contl. brig. genl was casualty.
Tompkins, Daniel D. (1714-1826) Jurist, govr., Vice Pres., GM N.Y.
Turner, Thos. (1815-1874) Union col. lawyer, congress from Illinois.
Vaile, William N. (1876-1927) lawyer congress fr. Colo., soldier.
Vance, Zebulon (1830-1894) soldier, Senator, gov. N.C.
Varnum, Jas. Mitchell (1748-1789) Contl. brig. genl., early judge NWT.
Welles, Gideon (1802-1878) editor, diarist, Secy. Navy '61-'65.
Weedon, George (1730-1790) Va. merch. Contl. brig. genl.
Wheeler, Joseph (1836-1906) merchant, soldier, Congressman fr. Alabama.
Whipple, Abraham (1733-1819) Contl. Navy off., took prizes worth a million.
Williams, Otho Holland (1749-1794) Balto. Merch., Contl. brig. genl.
Woodford, William (1734-1780) Va. merch., Contl. brig. genl., POW and DD.
Yell, Archibald (1797-1847) lawyer, KA Buena Vista, GM Arkansas.
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National Sojourners Roll of Honor Is Projected;
Military Masons - Masonic Patriots
The late Captain Robert E. Bassler, USN-Ret., when President of the National Sojourners in 1950-51, proposed the establishment of a Roll of Honor by the organization which would memorialize the Masonic affiliation of great Americans, military Masons and Masonic patriots.
His plan was to select an initial cadre and add annual increments so that selections would be made with due deliberation, and interest renewed each year by the procedure of adding to the list.
During the last decade the number selected has reached a total of sixty-five, it is announced by the chairman of the committee responsible for the choice of honorees and arrangement for a permanent location of the Roll of Honor as it grows.
Valley Forge and the George Washington National Memorial are considered appropriate locations for display, although others have been suggested, and no final decision has yet been arrived at. It is contemplated that a ceremony might be arranged each year for integration of the supplementary names to the roll. An adjacent shelf of biographies has been suggested to supplement the plaque. The Roll of Honor according to present plans will contain approximately 250 names a half century hence.
Masons conspicuous in the establishment and development of our nation, dead more than 25 years, preferably those with military service, are eligible for nomination. Choice has previously been made by a National Sojourners committee, and upon approval by the committee of 33, brought before the next National Convention for final action.
Nominees for the list of eligibles should be of sufficient prominence to be among those whose life histories appear in the Dictionary of American Biography or the supplementary volumes as they are published from time to time. The earlier choice will naturally be made largely from those participating in the Revolutionary War, or prominent in the early days of the Republic. Consistent with other factors, consideration will be given to as widespread recognition as possible, so that in the first hundred, most of the states will be represented.
The first sixty-five Americans chosen for the Roll of Honor appear in an adjacent box. The list includes all the eligible Presidents and most of the general officers of the Continental Army. Certification of membership from the appropriate Grand Lodge is indispensable.
In an effort to obtain as representative a choice as possible, and as a guide to the National Sojourners committee, readers of the Philalethes magazine are invited to participate in a ballot to select the 1964 increment. An appropriate form is provided to be filled out and returned as indicated. Ballots received after December 1st may not arrive in time for tally
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BALLOT
Fill in, cut out, and mail to
James R. Case. 43 Highland Ave.. Bethel. Conn. 06801
My choice for the 1964 increment to the National Sojourners Roll of Honor are the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Signed
Use separate sheet for comments and suggestions
MASONIC MILITARY
PATRIOTS MASONS
Roll of Honor
| GEORGE WASHINGTON | William Hooper | Albert Pike |
| Stephen F. Austin | Sam Houston | James K. Polk |
| William Beaumont | Andrew Jackson | Israel Putnam |
| James Buchanan | James Jackson | Paul Revere |
| Kit Carson | Andrea Johnson | Will Rogers |
| Lewis Cass | John Paul Jones | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Geo. Rogers Clark | Henry Knox | Winfield Scott |
| William Clark | Robt. R. Livingston | John Philip Sousa |
| Henry Clay | James Lawrence | John Stark |
| De Witt Clinton | Lafayette | Frederick von Steuben |
| Jos. Hamilton Daviess | Meriwether Lewis | Richard Stockton |
| Stephen Decatur | John A. Logan | John Sullivan |
| David Farragut | Thomas McDonough | William Howard Taft |
| Benjamin Franklin | William McKinley | Isaiah Thomas |
| Benjamin Garfield | John Marshall | Mark Twain |
| Mordecai Gist | Hugh Mercer | Lew Wallace |
| John Glover | Richard Montgomery | George Walton |
| John Hancock | John P. G. Muhlenberg | Seth Warner |
| Warren G. Harding | James Otis | Joseph Warren |
| Nicholas Herkimer | Robert Treat Paine | Thomas Smith Webb |
| Joseph Hewes | Robert E. Peary | William Whipple |
| Matthew G. Perry | David Wooster |
by ALPHONSE CERZA, F. P. S. (Life), Ill.
LAST YEAR there was published in England as a cloth bound book "A Comprehensive Dictionary of Freemasonry " by Ernest Beha. The price of the book was $4.00. Several months ago this book was reproduced in this country as a paperback by The Citadel Press, of 222 Park Avenue, New York. Its price is $1.75.
This book of 207 pages contains many short topics arranged in alphabetical order. The word "Comprehensive" in the title is somewhat misleading. It has a definite English flavor in that the book discusses many topics that will seem strange to the American reader. Whether these terms are in common use in England I do not know. For example, the word "banner" is explained by observing that most English Lodges have a special banner symbolical of the characteristics of the Lodge. Some items are hardly those to be included in such a work. For example, the word "Beth' is explained as the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet but its Masonic significance (if any) is not mentioned.
The book is useful in that it is small and readily available for quick reference. One using the book must be careful in accepting all its statements and must remember that many items have no application in the United States. A good example of this is the inserting in the book of the word "Fire" which is described as the audible approval of a Masonic toast. There are some inconsistencies in the book such as John Boswell (page 31) being the first Mason and also Robert Moray (page 55) being the first Mason.
It is hoped that the book will have a large sale so that the publishers of paperbacks may be encouraged to issue more Masonic books in this format. It is unfortunate that this book was selected as there are many other good books which would have been more suitable for this medium.
There has recently been published a book "Portraits of Benjamin Franklin." This 429 page book consists mostly of text material describing the various pictures of Franklin. A number of pictures are reproduced at the back of the book. There are numerous Masonic references in the book pertaining to our illustrious brother.
The Holy Bible occupies an important place in all Masonic Lodges. Therefore, a recent book re-issued by Columbia University, will be of interest to Masons: "The Literature of the Old Testament," by Julius Brewer.
There has also been re-issued by the Bollingen Foundation, 140 E. 62nd Street, New York, "The Gothic Cathedrals," by Otto Von Simson and the price is $7.50. The book is not a general discussion of the subject but the author selected the cathedrals of Chartres and Abbey of St. Denis. Many interesting phases of the subject are discussed. Masons interested in the architectural aspects of the subject will find this book worth while.
A book which should be read by every American was published several years ago but has just recently come to my attention. It is entitled "Vaticanism" and was written by a distinguished Mason, Judge Albert Levitt, of Hancock, New Hampshire. It is available through him.
The booklet reproduces several important documents which clearly show the incompatibility of the political activities and aims of the Roman Catholic Church and the American Way of Life. Brother Levitt has outlined the basic political concepts of the United States and then compared these with the political aims and beliefs of that Church. He has made it clear that he is not concerned in the book with the religious aspects of the organization but is restricting his discussion to the political aspects. He clearly shows that the church is a political organization and that while it has the legal right to pursue these aims we must not be misled by the mistaken notion that this is solely a church interested in promoting its religious views. He indicates that too often when one disagrees with the political views and programs of this church he is abused on the basis that he is opposed to the Roman Catholic "religion." This book clearly shows the danger to the American way of life by the political activities of this church.
The book is recommended to all Masons so that they may be alerted to the dangers presented by the political activities and beliefs of this group within our gates.
In the Life - History of the United States, published by Life, Volume IV, The Sweep Westward, written by Margaret L. Coit, on page 9, is to be found a series of photographs of Masonic due guards, penal signs and other material, clearly illustrating what the author terms as - "A lampoon of the Masons, pokes fun at their secret signs. They came under attack after William Morgan of Batavia, New York, vanished while writing a book on Masonic secrets. An Anti-Masonic party arose against the members of this and other secret groups including the Phi Beta Kappa. But the common man's champion, Jackson, remained proudly a Mason."
The writer then very ably summarized the character, work and policies of Andrew Jackson, Past Grand Master of Tennessee who later became President of the United States, and shows some very sympathetic and interesting sidelights of his career.
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Earl Dusenberry Passes
The Masonic world will mourn the passing on June 27, 1963 of Earl Elliott Dusenberry, General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons after a brief illness.
Having presided over all of the subordinate Masonic bodies of the Rite, he was Grand Master General of the Convent General of the Knights of the York Cross of Honour in 1955-1956, also having served many of the other national groups as their head. His work is not finished, yet his column is broken.
Requieseat In Pace
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by ALEX HORNE, M.P.S.
THERE RECENTLY HAS BEEN some discussion in the Masonic press relative to the Penalties, with some question as to their probable derivation, and with the still further question as to whether our present day penalties might not perhaps be an archaic and now out-moded legacy from the past.
E.C. Cartwright, in his illuminating Commentary on the Freemasonic Ritual (London, 1947), suggests that our familiar penalty is probably a reflection from some of those mentioned in Andrews' Old-Time Punishments (1890), one of which is thus given, as taken from the Ordinances of the Court of Admiralty for the Humber:
"You masters of the quest, if you, or any of you, discover or disclose anything of the King's secret counsel, or of the counsel of your fellows (for the present you are admitted to be the King's counsellors), you are to be, and shall be, had down to the low water-mark, where must be made three times O Yes [Oyez] for the King, and then and there this punishment by the law prescribe, shall be executed on them: that is, their hands and feet bound, their throats cut, their tongues pulled out, and their bodies thrown into the sea." *
J. P. Mahaffy, likewise, writing on Social Life in Greece (London, 1907), informs us incidentally that "the form uttered in the courts of Dublin within this century in cases of high treason, though not then literally carried out, . . . ran thus: 'It is therefore ordered by the Court that . . . they and each of them be hanged by the neck, but not until they be dead, for whilst they are yet alive, they are to be taken down, their entrails are to be taken out of their body, and whilst they are yet alive, they are to be burned before their faces" etc.
Similarly, Geo. F. Fort, writing on The Early History and Antiquities of Freemasonry (1877), reminds us of some of the horrible penalties that used to be inflicted in different countries in times past. Thus, breaking into and robbing pagan temples, according to the law of the Frisians, was punished by "dragging the criminal to the seashore and burying the body at a point in the sands where the tide daily ebbed and flowed ....
"Convicts," he says, "were frequently adjudged by the ancient Norse code to have their hearts torn out. The oldest death penalties of the Scandinavians prescribed that the body should be exposed to fowls of the air to feed upon. Sometimes it was decreed that the victim be disembowelled, his body burnt to ashes and scattered as dust to the winds . . . The tongue was often-times torn out as a punishment . . . A cord about the neck was used symbolically, in criminal courts, to denote that the accused was worthy of the extreme penalty of law by hanging or decapitation," etc.
Coming down to more recent times, a footnote to Bro. Harry Carr's article in vol. LXXIV of the Quatuor Coronati Transactions, Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, on "The Obligation and its place in the Ritual," makes the following comment:
"During recent years there have been many strong representations made against the retention of the barbarous penalties in present-day society. The criticism is well founded, and one cannot but applaud the practice recently introduced in Scotland, with the sanction and approval of their Grand Lodge.
"In their system the penalties do not appear in the Obligations. At a later stage in the ceremony, when the W.M. is about to entrust the Candidate, he explains that in ancient times certain fearsome penalties were included as a necessary part of each Ob., that they are omitted nowadays, but that the signs are still derived from those old penalties. He then describes them in detail, showing how the signs are directly related to them."
Reflecting on this commentary, a letter from M.W. Brother B. V. Atkinson, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Quebec, appears in the Lodge Summons bulletin sent out periodically by Quatuor Coronati to its members, which reads as follows:
"I thought you might be interested in a development in respect of the penalties, as adopted by our Grand Lodge at its meeting. in June last." An extract is then given, relative to the E.A., which is as follows:
'These several points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, and, while bearing in mind the ancient symbolic penalty of etc. etc. (here the I.G. impresses the symbolic penalty in the usual way ), binding myself under the real penalty of the violation of any of them, of being branded a wilfully perjured individual, void of all moral worth, and totally unfit . . . etc.'
"You will note," M.W. Bro. Atkinson continues, "that we have placed the 'physical' and 'real' penalties in proper relation to each other, without eliminating the former from the obligation. Herein we are following what I believe is the practice under the Irish Constitution.
"I am extremely pleased that we have adopted this change in wording, for I have felt for a long time that calling on the name of God, and binding a solemn obligation in the terms of the physical penalty on the pages of the Holy Bible, was nothing less than sacrilege.
"I note that Scotland, too, has dealt with this matter, and basically on the same premises, though in a somewhat different manner."
* Cited in Misc. Lcatomorum, vol. Vl. p. 24.
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by DR. HAROLD HULME, M.P.S.
The potentiality and power of words spoken, goes forth as a vibratory force. Words transcend every human attribute. What you say may sound trivial, but the written or spoken word swells in volume and power, and is recorded in the ethers and felt throughout the whole cellular system of the body of him who speaks it.
Our words become flesh and dwell among us, - the Master said, "By thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." This quotation is usually pigeon-holed not realizing its true significance.
"Then let thy mind be fair,
It has a vital part to share -
In shaping words and moulding fate,
God's system is so intricate."
As this truth of being is realized, the body grows finer and the process of evolution is accelerated, which gives to the mind and soul a richer means of expression - and also ever higher perception.
The body helps the mind as the mind builds the body; this harmonious pattern simulates the orchestration of music of the spheres, and is revealed out of the vault of nature and spirit. Nature puts to work the elements called life, but Spirit will inform it.
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Welcome to New Members
We are pleased to welcome the following new members into the Philalethes Society since the last issue of the magazine:
JOHN C. KAUFMAN, P.O. Box 1797, Brunswick, Georgia 31521.
CHARLES K. McCLURE, Box 2, Gila Bend, Arizona 85337
STANLEY E. SWANSON, 1597 Colonial Way, Eau Gallie, Florida.
WILLIAM ELLERY STEPHENSON JARRETT, 2nd, 529 Arch Place Glendale, California 91206.
RODNEY LESLIE JOHNSON, Box 793, Palmer, Alaska 99645.
WILLIAM RALPH BOURDON, Route 5, Box 33, Show Low, Arizona.
DONALD L. JONES, 703 W. Verbrick St., Appleton, Wisconsin.
ROBERT BATTO, 428 Connecticut Ave., Rochester, Pennsylvania.
HERBERT F. MILLER, 1015 Kingston Ave., Racine, Wisconsin.
SAMUEL BROGDON, Jr. 793 Second Street, S.W.. Warren, Ohio.
BENJAMIN E. LARRY, 720 Lake St., Tomah. Wisconsin.
DON J. ADAMS, 220 N. Jefferson St.. Sigourney, Iowa.
BENJAMIN D. JONES, P.O. Box 722, Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
ALBERTO DUPUY, P.O. Box 5731, Los Angeles. California 90055.
DAN ALLEN LOHWASSER, 101 S. Holly Avenue, Highland Springs, Virginia.
RALPH V. PRINK, P.O. Box 1735, Oakland 4, Calif.
MORRIS N. GREEN. 64 Bonad Road, West Newton 65, Mass.
JOHN P. TEMPLE, 508 Woodlark Bldg., Portland D-5, Oregon.
DONALD LEE RASMUSSEN, 300 East Armour Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
64111.
FRANK POLCHLOPEK, Maider Road, Clay, New York.
GUST HARRER, 5067 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207.
ARTHUR O. REDDEMANN, 1603 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wis.
53206.
DON ROY DAVIS, 1708 Aleutian St., Anchorage, Alaska.
VERNON B. PRINK, c /o R. V. Prink, P.O. Box 1735, Oakland 4, Calif.
ARTHUR F. GIERE, Box 7, Galesville, Wisconsin.
LEE LOCKWOOD, P.O. Box 266, Waco, Texas.
HARVEY MUELLER ALBRIGHT, 30 Kent Road, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.
LESLIE EUGENE MURDOCK 4034 S. E. Sherman St., Portland, Oregon 97214.
GREGORY RAMSEY LUCY, 811 Newport, Webster Groves 19, Missouri.
PETRUS JOHANNES ERASMUS VENTER P.O. Box 813. Kroonstad. OFS South Africa.
LOUIS C. RITTER, 2040 West Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee 3, Wisconsin.
CHARLES LESTER MATHIAS. 2400 Rudy Road, Harrisburg, Pa. 17104.
GILBERT C. LAMB, 3171 No. 49th St.. Milwaukee, Wis.
EUGENE LESLIE WEBB, Jr., 709 Jones Ave., Maryville, Tenn.
HALDANE WESLEY BEAN, 209 West High Street, Urbana. Illinois.
HARRY R. THARP, 106 No. 1st St., Anchorage. Alaska.
GILBERT L. STEIN, 346 East Montana St., Milwaukee 7, Wisconsin.
ROBERT B. SAPINSLEY, P.O. Box 68, Hopkinsville, Ky.
F.M. LUMBARD, P.O. Box 652, Muskogee, Oklahoma.
ROBERT M. DIEBOLD, 946 Summit Street, Downers Grove, III. 60515.
GRAYDON ANDREW LEWIS, 2079 Oak Street, Eugene, Oregon.
STEPHEN B. DIMOND, P.O. Box 428, Paletto, Florida.
MELVIN LOUIS PFANKUCHE, 33,19 Harwinton Lane, Cincinnati 11, Ohio.
RICHARD MEAD NEEDHAM, 708 N. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.
LAWRENCE THOMAS FOX, 9418 East Avenue O. Houston 12, Texas.
LANDON W. BURCHAM, 221 Barker Ave., Richmond 23, Virginia.
KENNETH D. GEMMELL, 3325 Avenue Q. Galveston, Texas 77552.
ALOYSIUS H. CURRAN, Box 686, Hudson, New York.
M. P. POLSON, A.S.E.F.R.S.A.F. R.G.S., Moti Mahal, 4th Floor, Sir Dinshaw Vatcha Road, Churchgate Reclamation, Bombay 1, India.
FRED L. CHANDLER, 336 West Kemp St., Phinelander, Wisconsin.
LOUIS BORAH SMITH, P.O. Box 5517, Oildale, California.
J. TORRANCE HARVEY, Route 3 Kalispell, Montana.
CARROLL DEBEET EDGAR, Elkhart Apts. 8, B. O. Daniel Ave., Newark, Delaware.
RUSSELL R. ROBISON, 105 West State St., Albion. Pennsylvania 16401.
ROBERT VARTAN HAIG. 6139 Mt. Angelus Dr., Los Angeles, California 90042.
JOSEPH LOUIS BEILEY, 3602 So. Meylen St., San Pedro, Calif.
ARCHIE LeROY SANDIFER Route 1, Oak Grove, Louisiana.
RAY D. MAAS, Allied Chemical Corp., APO 301 c/o UsOM K. San Francisco, California.
ROBERT WILLIAM LORAH. Box 201, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920.
ALBERT E. PONSFORD, P.O. Box 1412, El Paso, Texas 79948.
ROLAND A. KOLB, 941 N. 4th Ave., Cedarburg, Wisconsin 53012.
CORTEZ ALONZA PEACOCK. 2411 Ottawa Street, Butte, Montana 59701.
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Big Family Day
Led by Idaho's Grand Master Charles F. Gill, 1000 Master Masons, wives, children and friends enjoyed the 18th annual "Bald Mountain Meeting" on July 20 in famous Sun Valley.
Sparked by Hailey Lodge No. 16 of Haily, Idaho, this Masonic "family day" proved to be an outstanding get-together. Even the weather was specially arranged. It was perfect. From 9:00 a. m. to 1:00 p.m. the threestage ski lift up Bald Mountain was open for the youngsters and ladies, who enjoyed the 3000 foot ascent to get closer to the stars. The afternoon was devoted to sports and recreation, including golf and fishing. Dancing in the Duchin Room at Sun Valley Lodge was another attraction for the young folks.
After 1:00 p. m. the ski lift was reserved for Master Masons, who ascended the mountain for an open-air Lodge meeting near the topmost level. Opening the Lodge at 2:00 p.m., Grand Master Gill conferred the first section of the third degree on a candidate who helped to make it a "big" occasion - a member of the State Highway Patrol weighing almost 300 pounds! The second section was exemplified by Raymond Ruff Master of Grove City Lodge No. 33, Blackfoot, Idaho.
Fourteen of the 19 Grand Lodge officers were present, as well as 7 of 11 Deputies. Of the 84 Idaho Lodges, 47 were represented by 247 of their members. In addition there were 47 visitors from the Jurisdictions of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
At 6:30 p.m. everyone joined in a barbecue feast at Trail Creek Cabin Grounds - and sharpened appetites did ample justice to this huge picnic.
- Masonic Service Association of the United States.
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by ALPHONSE CERZA, F.P.S.
(Life), Ill
Recently I received a nice letter from Brother Clyde B. Westbrook, of San Antonio, Texas. He raised the general question of what can be done to have certain Masonic books in public libraries so that they can be read not only by Masons but also by non-Masons. It is not too hard a problem to solve.
Here are some of the things that can be done:
1. Lodges can present Masonic books to the local public library from time to time. This should then be told to the members so that they can avail themselves of the opportunity to read the books.
2. The members after they have read a Masonic book which they have enjoyed can present it to the public library.
3. Librarians are always ready to please their visitors. They have a big job keeping up with the titles of books being issued each month and spend much time reading publishers' catalogs, book reviews, etc., trying to select the books to buy for their shelves. They welcome suggestions from residents of the community who use the library. If there are any Masonic books that are desired for reading this should be communicated to the librarian. Once the book is placed on the shelf the matter should be publicized and notice given to the members so they can avail themselves of the opportunity to read the book. A sustained withdrawal of the books will always lead to the conclusion that there is a demand for Masonic books and further books will be added as time goes on.
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Notes, Queries and Information On Items of Masonic Research
by JAMES R. CASE, F.P.S.
1963 - No. 5
THE NUMBER OF LETTERS CONTAINING QUESTIONS which relate to matters of fact in Masonic history and biography, seem to justify their treatment in a column separate from the Editor's CHAT & COMMENT, where they have previously appeared.
Our members and readers are invited to send in material appropriate for use in the new column, especially information concerning research currently under way. The Editor will assist the sponsor of this column, which will be supervised and run by Brother James R. Case, F.P.S but ALL COMMUNICATIONS should be addressed to the mailing address of the magazine.
154 - Globes. (June 1963) Alex Horne, M.P.S. of California sends in the following comment - "Some early Tracing Boards, showing the Two Pillars, do not have Globes superimposed upon them, e.g. a Lodge Cloth of the 7th Light Dragoons, dated 1810. A Tracing Board of the St. George and Cornerstone Lodge, dated 1817, does show two spherical bodies but they are covered with "net-work," and thus cannot refer to our "terrestrial and celestial globes," but only to the "pommels or bowls" referred to in the Bible. These are English. Some early French Tracing Boards also do not show Globes on the Pillars.
On the other hand, some illustrations of early Lodge paraphernalia show the Globes on the floor of the Lodge Room. They must have been later placed on the Pillars perhaps in mistaken allusion to the "pommels or bowIs" previously mentioned, which some ritualist might have mistaken for "balls." Samuel Lee, in his 1659 Orbis Miraculum (an architectural and symbolic description of King Solomon's Temple) shows the Two Pillars with spherical bodies superimposed thereon, illustrating these "pommels or bowls," and this may have been originally suggested by a marginal illustration in the Geneva Bible, which also shows these Pillars surmounted by globular bodies. All this may have led our early ritualists to place these "terrestrial and celestial" globes on top of the Two Pillars which stood before King Solomon's Temple where they obviously do not belong. (The original, or earliest seal of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, presumably engraved about 1790 by Amos Doolittle, shows the two pillars without the globes. J.R.C.)
155 - Constitutions of 1738. (June 1963) Bro. Edmund R. Sadowski of the Temple Masonic Historical Society library in Chicago answers this query in part by citing The Rare Books of Freemasonry by Bro. Vibert, published in London in 1923, in which it is stated that in 1890 only twenty six copies were known to be extant, according to Brother Hughan. A somewhat defective copy was offered for sale in the Oregon Freemason for June 1963 at a price of twenty dollars.
(We have yet to be informed of the libraries in the United States where copies of the book may be seen. J.R.C. )
156 - Public Grand Honors. (June, August 1963) Norman C. Dutt, M.P.S., (who has been around the world and a visitor in many grand jurisdictions) invites O.E.W. of Vallejo (the original querist) to meet him at the Masonic Temple some night when Naval Chapter (35) R.A.M. covenes, at which time Brother Dutt will demonstrate the variety of Public Grand Honors and Funeral Grand Honors which he has observed - and they are quite a few. (If this clicks it will be the first instance of exchanges on this page bringing two individuals together face to face! J.R.C.)
159 - Farragut. This naval hero of the Civil War period is said to be on record as a visitor to Naval Lodge at Vallejo, California. It is also said that he was accorded funeral honors by old St. Johns Lodge in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For the benefit of B.O.N. of Washington, D.C., will some of the readers having access to the records undertake to verify the above?
160 - Valley Forge. (See also Query 7, October 1957) What documentary record exists of any Masonic activity at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78? M. A. McF., Kansas.
161 - Newburgh "Temple." Is there anything more than unsupported tradition that the "Temple" in the Continental Army Camp at Newburgh, New York, was ever used for Masonic purposes? R.H.T., Penna.
162 - The Bible. Alex Horne, M.P.S. of San Francisco, wants to know if there is any jurisdiction in the United States where the use of Scriptures other than the Old and New Testaments is permitted on their altars. Is there any Lodge where the display of more than one V.S.L. is customary?
163 - The Craftsmen of the University of Michigan. Brother Robert L. Murphy, 1617 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan, wishes to hear from any former members of this now extinct students' Masonic Club which existed from 1909 until 1933 or later. He is particularly interested in a play "An Eighteenth Century Lodge' which was produced in the Whitney Theater 21 May, 1909 and the presumed author, Joseph E. Morcombe.